Over the last few weeks, I have received many, many requests for help from Newport East constituents regarding their passport applications. From lost paperwork, to chasing new passports around the country to a frustrating lack of communication, I’ve heard so many stories of people missing out on long-awaited reunions, precious time with sick and dying relatives and much-needed breaks because of the Government’s lack of foresight and planning.

Civil Servants at the Passport Office here in Newport, and those working right across the country are working as hard as they can to cope with the surge in demand, while all the while the government is waving privatisation in their faces.

All of this was avoidable – unfortunately however Passport Office workers and passport applicants are all being let down by an incompetent Home Secretary and a PM who hasn’t got his head in the game.

This can’t continue – this Government needs to get a grip.

Today, the Labour Party held a debate on passport delays in the House of Commons. Hear what I had to say in the clip below.